1 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

But {G1161} godliness {G2150} with {G3326} contentment {G841} is {G2076} great {G3173} gain {G4200}.

Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have.

Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.

But godliness with contentment is great gain:

1 Timothy 6:6 in the King James Version states, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." This verse offers a profound truth contrasting worldly pursuits with true spiritual prosperity.

Context

This verse follows Paul's warnings to Timothy about false teachers who saw religion as a means of financial gain. Paul condemns their covetousness and deviation from sound doctrine. Verse 5 specifically mentions those who suppose that gain is godliness. Verse 6 provides the correct perspective: true spiritual gain isn't found in material wealth acquired through godliness, but in godliness itself when accompanied by contentment.

Key Themes

  • Godliness: Living a life devoted to God, characterized by reverence, obedience, and piety.
  • Contentment: A state of inner peace and satisfaction, not dependent on external circumstances or possessions.
  • Great Gain: The immense value and richness found in the combination of godliness and contentment, surpassing any material wealth. This is the true spiritual profit Paul advocates.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "contentment" is autarkeia, which originally meant self-sufficiency. However, in the context of Christian teaching, it signifies a sufficiency that comes from Christ and reliance upon God, rather than relying on oneself or material things. The word for "gain" is porismos, often referring to a means of gain or profit, particularly financial. Paul redefines "gain" here, showing that the true profit is spiritual, not material.

Reflection

This verse serves as a powerful corrective to the world's obsession with wealth and status. It teaches that pursuing a life focused on God (godliness) and being satisfied with what one has (contentment) yields a wealth far greater than any earthly fortune. This "great gain" is spiritual richness, peace, and security found in a relationship with God, which cannot be lost or stolen. It aligns with the teaching on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Paul himself understood this, stating he had learned the secret of being content in any situation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  • 1 Timothy 6:8

    And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

  • Proverbs 16:8

    ¶ Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

  • Philippians 4:11

    Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • 1 Timothy 4:8

    For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

  • Philippians 1:21

    ¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

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